Garlic Butter Pork Chops in a Cast Iron Skillet Recipe

I’ve been getting more comfortable cooking with cast iron, and these Garlic Butter Cast Iron Pork Chops were a huge hit with my family. Pork chops are already a favorite, but this preparation—searing in a skillet and finishing in the oven with garlic butter—keeps them juicy and full of flavor.

Cast iron can seem intimidating, but it’s straightforward and rewarding. I learned from my mom and grandma—nothing beats food cooked in a well-seasoned cast iron skillet.

Garlic Butter Cast Iron Pork Chops Recipe Ingredients:

Butter

Minced Garlic

Thyme

Salt

Fresh Ground Black Pepper

Pork Chops – bone-in or boneless work; thicker cuts may need more cooking time.

Olive Oil

Using Cast Iron

I made these in a cast iron skillet, but a seasoned cast iron Dutch oven or enameled cast iron will work too. Wipe the pan with a little oil before cooking to prevent sticking. If your pan needs it, make sure it’s properly seasoned.

How To Make Garlic Butter Pork Chops:

1. Prep the pork chops: Brush the chops with olive oil and season both sides with salt and fresh ground pepper. Let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes for even cooking.

2. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).

3. Make the garlic butter: In a microwave-safe bowl combine butter, minced garlic, and thyme. Heat in short intervals, stirring between bursts, until melted and evenly mixed. Add salt and pepper to taste, if desired.

4. Sear the chops: Add a bit of olive oil to the cast iron skillet and warm over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add the pork chops and pour the melted garlic butter over them.

Tip: A splatter screen helps reduce butter splatter while searing.

5. Sear and finish in the oven: Sear the pork chops about 5 minutes per side on the stovetop, then transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for about 25 minutes, flipping once halfway through for even cooking. Thicker chops may need additional time—cook until the internal temperature reaches a safe doneness for pork.

I added a little extra thyme halfway through baking to boost the flavor, but that step is optional.

6. Rest and serve: Remove the pork chops from the oven and let them rest a few minutes before serving. Spoon some of the pan butter over the chops for extra flavor. Serve and enjoy.

I served these with oven-roasted baby potatoes, baby bok choy, and avocado. They pair well with roasted or grilled vegetables and a simple starch.

How To Store Leftover Garlic Butter Pork Chops

Store leftovers in an airtight container or a resealable bag in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat gently to avoid drying them out.

What to serve with Garlic Pork Chops

Smoked sides: smoked baked potatoes, smoked green bean casserole, smoked sweet potato casserole, smoked loaded baked beans, or creamy smoked macaroni and cheese.

Grilled sides: cheesy grilled asparagus, cheese-stuffed mushrooms, grilled loaded twice-baked potatoes, grilled corn on the cob, or grilled zucchini.

Breads: cheesy garlic pull-apart bread, garlic parmesan biscuit pull-apart, cheesy monkey bread, cornbread, or soft dinner rolls.

Other sides: air fryer bacon asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, oven-roasted baby potatoes, air fryer Brussels sprouts, broccoli slaw, or a simple coleslaw.